REVIEW – The Circle Cafe, Canonmills

The Circle Cafe is a firm favourite of Edinburgh Spotlight and we have been dining here for the five years it’s been open as it’s within walking distance of home.

The Circle Cafe, Brandon Terrace

It may call itself a cafe, but the food served is to the standard of a restaurant at reasonable prices. Coffee, cakes, pastries, wines and soft drinks are served throughout the day, but over the busy lunchtime period, you must order something to eat.

The Circle Cafe provided food and drink at this year’s International Book Festival at Charlotte Square which I am sure the owner found an honour. I certainly enjoyed their good food in between talks.

Their menu is full of interesting dishes, some smaller ones if you’re not so hungry, alongside their speciality sandwiches such as scottish smoked salmon and crayfish with ricotta cheese and chives on sourdough bread (£7.50).

I was given iced tap water no problem, which is served in re-usable bottles from the fridge.

I opted for the mouthwatering rump steak beef skewers, soy marinated in lime, ginger and mustard with sweet pepper, spinach and bean sprout stir-fry at £8.50.

Rump steak beef skewers

Upon ordering, I was informed that my dish would take about 15 minutes as it was cooked from fresh, but I didn’t mind waiting for this well presented dish. I dived in and enjoyed the succulent beef which had a fabulous flavour through out. I could really taste the soy and lime and savoured every mouthful.

For dessert there is a huge choice of traybakes and cakes and I couldn’t decide which one to have. They do a fabulous chilli chocolate cheesecake towards the end of the week / weekend but I visited midweek. I was more than happy to settle for the carrot cake.

Carrot cake

The carrot cake was good, but not spectacular. I did manage every crumb though and I finished off my meal with a pot of herbal tea.

Service was efficient and friendly and the staff know their menu. I was driving that day so couldn’t sample one of their many good wines on offer. I would advise to book a table at the weekend as it’s extremely popular with locals and also out of towners, heading in the direction of Canonomills due to good reviews they’ve read.

The opening hours are 8.30am until 5.00pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday 9.30am until 4.30pm. The food service times are; breakfast everyday until 11.30am and lunch everyday until 4.00pm.

Suitable for disabled? There is one small step as pictured into the restaurant and all the tables are on ground floor as is the bathroom.